Read the room!

An ability to be humble is a great thing but are there times when it’s not the top trait you need to show? Sometimes you need to get buy in by expressing your credentials.  It doesn’t have to be boastfully done but can be done with humility.  If you want to gain credibility in what you are delivering, you often have to lay out your stall in a way that engenders respect. This is particularly relevant when public speaking to a unknown audience for the first time, or at the start of a course which you are facilitating. You don’t have to read out a biography, you can use stories (keep it short – read the room!) and bring people into that experience. Always read the room and be prepared to come off script if necessary. Whenever possible, get to know who you are speaking with/to first…. you may only have a few minutes to do this!